Thomas G. Allan Jr, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard | Official Website
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 56 former members of the United States Coast Guard who were previously dismissed for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have been reinstated. These individuals will receive back pay and other possible benefits following their return to service.
Secretary Kristi Noem stated, "56 members of the United States Coast Guard who were kicked out of the service over the COVID-19 vaccine have finally been reinstated with back pay—this is a victory for religious, personal, and medical freedom for all Americans — both in and out of uniform. The last administration’s vaccine mandates were unconstitutional, un-American, and a gross violation of personal freedom. It was no way to treat the men and women who put everything on the line to keep our country safe," said Secretary Kristi Noem."President Trump is righting these wrongs and returning those unjustly removed members to service. This decision to reinstate these members of the Coast Guard is a major step in the right direction."
The initial mandate requiring all military personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was issued by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on August 21, 2021. This directive was rescinded on January 10, 2023. The Coast Guard implemented its own version of this mandate, which ended on January 11, 2023.
On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14184 allowing for reinstatement opportunities for any service member discharged due to refusal of the vaccine. Following this order, a panel from the Board for Correction of Military Records within the Coast Guard decided—on Secretary Noem’s recommendation—to restore these former personnel.
The affected Coast Guard members will have their service records updated so that there are no gaps between their discharge date and their reinstatement date. They may also qualify for additional compensation such as allowances or bonuses as determined by Coast Guard policies.
A copy of the official decision regarding this action has been made available by DHS.
